The iPad Mini and 13-inch Macbook Pro (with retina display) weren’t the only big draws at Apple’s launch event yesterday. The tech giant’s flagship tablet the iPad also got a refresh. The iPad 4, with preorder available Oct. 26 and retail availability Nov. 2, was revealed as well and the reviews are starting to roll in. The big updates for the iPad 4 include a faster processor than its predecessor (A6 instead of A5) and the new new Lightning USB port. Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 as cheaper option to the iPad 4, but those who bought the iPad 3 are probably fuming. The third generation iPad was only released back in March. However if you bought your iPad 3 in the last 30 days, Apple is giving away free upgrades. But how does the iPad 4 stack up to the “old” versions? Let’s turn to the critics who were lucky enough go get their hands on one.
Trusted Reviews: “The iPad 4 isn’t exactly a revolution in tablet computing but its faster processor and Lightning connector are nice enough little upgrades that keep it ticking along. However, that very Lightning connector is also a problem given the headache of having to upgrade all your accessories or buy adapters for them. Plus, there’s definitely not enough of an upgrade here for iPad 3 owners to be tempted. Then again, maybe that’s a good thing considering how many complaints we’ve already heard from new iPad 3 owners who thought an upgrade would be months away…”
PC Advisor: “Apple’s two new tablets are identical in a great deal of ways. It may sound simple but the iPad mini is essentially just a smaller version. The main differences are the size, price and screen specifications.”
TechRadar: “If you just upgraded your iPad in the spring, don’t worry that you’re missing much with this bump in the new iPad 4. We know a lot of people will feel betrayed, having thought they were getting the best Apple has to offer for at least a year – but that shouldn’t cause that much consternation. However, if you’re still using an iPad 2 or an original iPad, it’s a significant step up, and still brings all the same Apple bells, whistles and whizzbangwhoosh that most have come to expect from the Cupertino’s most popular tablet.”
ExtremeTech: “If you’re an Apple early adopter, you are probably quite upset that you need to fork out another $500-800 for the latest and greatest iPad — but to be honest, with the tablet market heating up, Apple really needed to reduce the product cycle from 12 months to 6. Apple has previously come under fire for waiting 12+ months to release new iterations of its flagship devices, when other smartphone and tablet makers can release two or three new models in that period. As a result, by the time the next iPhone or iPad rolls around, the previous model always looks rather long in the tooth compared to devices from Samsung, HTC, Asus, and other OEMs.”
As most expected, the iPad 4 will be faster, have more computing power, and have a clearer display. But there as many haters are there are supporters. Many feel that despite an extremely cut throat tablet market, Apple should have waited a bit longer to release the fourth generation iPad as the iPad 3 was only released back in March. Its release directly on the heels of its predecessor coupled with very similar the iPad Mini may dilute the iPad market. But then again, it may not. It’s still too early to tell how well it will perform but Apple rarely disappoints. Let us know how in the comments section how you think the iPad 4 will compete with rival tablets.
